Day 38 – Sailing the South Atlantic Ocean

After three amazing days in South Georgia, a destination that is frequently cancelled due to extreme weather, we will spend two days at sea as Viking Octantis sails toward Antarctica, most likely the highlight of our cruise.

Tim and I started our day at a private family-style breakfast. Fifty-five passengers are traveling on the Longitudinal World Cruise from Nuuk to Antarctica, while 31 guests are only traveling a portion of the itinerary. Those of us who embarked in either Fort Lauderdale or Valparaiso are known as consecutive cruisers, and the breakfast this morning was for us.

We were greeted at the door to Manfredi’s by several of the officers and offered a drink. Tables for eight were set with a lovely array of breakfast pastries, fruit, meats, and other items. That would have been plenty of food for me, but we were also served a hot meal with a made-to-order omelet. Entertainment Manager Arianna welcomed us and offered a toast for our continuing journey.

Our Private Family-Style Breakfast

Tim and Sarah and Our Fellow Continuing Cruisers

The food was delicious, and we met several couples who were new to us. The breakfast was a lovely gesture on the part of Viking, and one that I appreciated. I was disturbed to learn, however, that it resulted from complaints by several passengers who were upset with the special treatment given to the Longitudinal World Cruise guests. To me, that “special” treatment was a part of the World Cruise experience, and I never expected anything similar for us. Unfortunately, complaints, especially petty complaints, seem to be more common on this itinerary. It’s sad.

Tim and I next attended a mandatory IAATO briefing that explained all we needed to know to go ashore in Antarctica. The IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) is a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Since 1959, Antarctica has been governed internationally by the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty, which designated the entire continent as “a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.” The treaty created an unprecedented global partnership that now includes nearly 50 countries.

IAATO Briefing and Its Educational and Regulatory Mission

Since we will be landing in Antarctica, we had one more mandatory Biosecurity inspection prior to our visit. Therefore, we brought all our outerwear to be checked by the Expedition Team.

Viking hosted another event this afternoon for the continuing cruisers, an exclusive cocktail reception in The Hide. The Captain, Hotel General Manager, and other officers were there and mingled with us. Tim and I were able to talk with other guests, with whom we compared notes. This was another lovely event.

Exclusive Cocktail Reception

At the Daily Briefing, Expedition Leader presented a “Day in the Life” of the Expedition Team. It was quite eye-opening to learn about everything that is involved in the job and all that goes into making every landing safe for both us and the wildlife on shore.

 We began to see a few icebergs this evening, including a large tabular one that was illuminated by the sun.  Beautiful!

A Massive Iceberg